Motorsport UK is pleased to announce Kian Burnard has been selected as the UK’s representative for the 2024 FIA Karting Academy Trophy following two days of intensive assessment. 

Kian was chosen after a four-way shootout with Jorge Edgar, Lewis Goff and Riley Cranham and will now go on to compete in the three-round championship at Val D’Argenton, France (26 – 28 April), Slovak Karting Centre, Slovakia (21 – 23 June) and Kristianstad, Sweden (2 – 4 August). 

The evaluation took place on 16 and 17 January, with drivers undertaking fitness assessments at the Porsche Experience Centre on the first day. The following day action switched to driving assessments at Kartsim to assess the drivers’ ability to adapt to a new track, take on coaching points and provide accurate feedback.  

Practical assessments were then conducted at Whilton Mill where a typical FIA Karting Academy race day format was replicated. 

The judging panel were incredibly impressed with all the finalists, with all four demonstrating good preparation, maturity and commitment to the assessments.   

Dan Parker, Motorsport UK Head of Karting, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Kian as our official FIA Karting Academy driver for 2024. The quality of the applications was exceptionally high, and Kian’s selection is a testament to his remarkable skills and commitment to karting. Starting his karting journey in 2021 with indoor karting, Kian has showcased impressive progress and achieved noteworthy results in multiple categories.  

“We are excited to watch Kian’s continued advancement over the course of the competition, and we have full confidence that he will make a significant impact.  

“Thanks also to Whilton Mill, Piers Sexton Racing, Kartsim, Jordan Albert and Porsche Human Performance for their support in the assessment process.” 

Kian Burnard commented: “I am honoured and super excited to be chosen for the FIA Academy Trophy. It’s like a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to experience new tracks, racing with the best, learning new skills and feeling the speed! I will give it my all and make the most of this incredible experience.”